Analysis of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, useful for diagnosis, prognosis and study of joint disease, uses antibodies specific for a recognition sequence within the protein

摘要

Qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) uses antibodies (Ab), or their fragments, able to form complexes with antigens comprising at least one specific recognition sequence (SRS) of COMP, is new. SRS contains over 50 amino acids and is located at the N-terminus of at least one of the subunits of COMP. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) probe (I), for use in the novel method, containing at least the sequence GlnGlyGlnSerProLeuGlyAspLeuGlyProGlnMetLeu (i) and/or one or more analogs of (i), and at least one epitope of (i); (2) Ab, or its fragments, for use in the novel method, and specific for the SRS of formula (i); (3) preparation of Ab, or its fragments, using (1) as immunizing antigen; and (4) kits for performing the novel method.